The best cycling routes around Bétheny

A magnificent architectural jewel nestled in the heart of this historic French city. This elegant opera house, with its rich history and vibrant programming, plays a vital role in the cultural life of Reims, captivating audiences with its splendid performances and significantly contributing to the city's artistic identity. The origins of the Opéra de Reims date back to the 19th century. Built in 1873, the original structure, designed in the neoclassical style, was a testament to the city's ambition and its thriving cultural scene. However, the devastation of the First World War severely damaged the building, leaving it in ruins. This setback, however, did not deter the city's commitment to the arts. The opera house was meticulously rebuilt in the 1930s, embracing the then-popular Art Deco style. Architects François Maille and Louis Sollier skillfully blended historical elements with the sleek lines and geometric shapes characteristic of the Art Deco movement, creating a unique and captivating architectural statement. The result is a building that seamlessly blends historical grandeur with modern aesthetics, a testament to the city's resilience and commitment to the arts. https://operadereims.com/

Unfortunately, performances are only irregular, so check the program in good time.

The cycle path offers the possibility to park outside and cycle into the city in a relaxed manner.

The opera, with its 750-seat Italian Hall, is a must-see on any tour of Reims' Art Deco heritage. Behind the preserved 19th-century facade, the architects completely restructured the interior in the spirit of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris after the First World War: bas-reliefs, ironwork, chandeliers, paintings...

Under the central arch is a calendar depicting the activities and tasks of agriculture and viticulture: grape pressing, harvesting, etc. A calendar can be seen here through the carved reliefs. Under the eastern arch, we can see a she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus. According to legend, it was Remus who founded Reims. Finally, under the western arch, we can see Leda being seduced by Jupiter.

This ancient monument is one of the longest in the Roman world: it is approximately 32 meters long and 12 meters high! The Mars Gate was built towards the end of the 2nd century and is the only one of the four monumental arches providing access to the city of Durocortorum that has survived. It consists of three arcades. The central arch carried the city's major north-south axis, intended for the passage of carriages. The two side arcades were used by pedestrians.

While staying on the asphalt, you can cover more than 24 km. From the St. Brice Courcelles side, you can go up to La Neuvillette, then to Courcy, it's an unpaved road (passable but not for road bikes). After Courcy, there's asphalt up to Berry au Ferry (this allows you to discover the Sapigneul Owl, about 150 m on dirt road). On the other side, after Sillery, you can continue to Beaumont (asphalt). Then, on a dirt road passable by mountain bike, you can go to the Billy Arch, where the canal passes through a tunnel.

The monument survived destruction because it was walled up inside the Archbishop's castle in the 13th century, which inadvertently preserved it for future generations.